Al Carraway - Cheers to Eternity: Lessons Weve Learned on Dating and Marriage

2017 Al Carraway and Ben Carraway

Cover photography by Beka Price Photography (bekapricephotography.com)

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, whether by graphic, visual, electronic, film, microfilm, tape recording, or any other means, without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles.

This is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions and views expressed herein belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc. Permission for the use of sources, graphics, and photos is also solely the responsibility of the author.

ISBN 13: 978-1-4621-2831-0

Published by CFI, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.

2373 W. 700 S., Springville, UT 84663

Distributed by Cedar Fort, Inc., www.cedarfort.com

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Names: Carraway, Al, 1988- author. | Carraway, Ben, 1991- author.

Title: Cheers to eternity : what weve learned on dating and marriage / Al Carraway and Ben Carraway.

Description: Springville, UT : Published by CFI, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc., [2017] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017022975 (print) | LCCN 2017027192 (ebook) | ISBN 9781462128310 (ebook) | ISBN 9781462120918 (pbk. : alk. paper)

Subjects: LCSH: Marriage--Religious aspects--Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. | Marriage--Religious aspects--Mormon Church. | Marital dating. | Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--Doctrines. | Mormon Church--Doctrines.

Classification: LCC BX8643.M36 (ebook) | LCC BX8643.M36 C37 2017 (print) | DDC 248.8/44--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017022975

Cover design by Shawnda T. Craig

Cover design 2017 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

Edited by Hali Bird, Chelsea Holdaway, and Kaitlin Barwick

Typeset by Chelsea Holdaway

Dedicated to

Gracie + Christian

PRAISE FOR
CHEERS TO ETERNITY

These inspiring words are filled with so many positive vibes; Al and Ben make you feel that any relationship can be peaches and cream. They kind of make me want to get married again uhh, you know what I mean.

Jon Heder, actor from Blades of Glory, Napoleon Dynamite, and Pickle and Peanut

Cheers to Eternity is a stellar book for anyone in a relationship. The book is funny, thoughtful, informative, and very real. Al and Ben use amazing experiences from their life and others lives that are relatable to everyone. I love how they remind us all to laugh every day and to try and not take everything so seriously all the time. They have an awesome perspective on dating, marriage, and life in general. Loved reading this book!

Jimmer Fredette, professional basketball player

I first met Al and Ben when they were engaged, so I have been blessed to watch their marriage and family develop from the beginning. Im proud of them for all they have learned and for their willingness to now teach the rest of us with their trademark honesty and candor. This book will validate the good things you are doing and remind you of a few things you can do better. Most of all, it will reassure you that with God all things are possibleespecially a strong and happy marriage.

Brad Wilcox, BYU professor and author of The Continuous Atonement and Changed through His Grace

When Nephi built a ship, it was said to have been made not after the manner of men. It reminds me of this book. It is very unique, and you can tell from page one that this book was God-inspired! This book is an absolute home run, and I guarantee you that by the time youve finished the book, youll be begging for a sequel!

Alex Boy, award-winning singer, songwriter, and YouTuber

Al and Ben hit a home run with this book. If youre married or hoping to be married one day, their message is for you. I felt like I was having a fun conversation with old friends. Each chapter is authentic and relevant. And while they dont skip the tough issues, I found myself laughing out loud at their funny back-and-forth style. Dont put this book back on the shelf; its worth your time.

Hank Smith, PhD, author of Be Happy

Its so easy to get carried away with the Carraways! Ben and Als conversation-style book on marriage will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels. Their candor is refreshing and their chemistry as a couple comes to life on each page. Filled with lessons theyve learned thus far on their journey together, their book speaks openly and easily about not just the ups but also the downs that accompany even the best marriages. Whether youre just thinking about marriage or youve been in the matrimony game for quite some time, Ben and Als insights will speak to you. Their words of truth remind us that if Jesus can turn water into wine, then He can make a Christ-centered marriage truly divineso cheers to eternity!

Zandra Vranes, speaker and author of Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons

Also by Al Carraway

More than the Tattooed Mormon

I Know journal

Set Goals. Say Prayers. Work Hard. journal

With God, Life Is Oh So Good journal

CONTENTS

Lesson One
Its Not about You

Lesson Two
Communication

Lesson Three
Always Have Time for Love

Lesson Four
Gods Will

Lesson Five
Do Hard Things Together

Lesson Six
God First, Bro

Lesson Seven
Not Taking Things So Seriously

About the Author
Al Carraway

About the Author
Ben Carraway

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To Facebook for helping us to meet each other virtually online. When we lived across the country from one another, it was you that was our source of communication. Without Facebook messenger, were not sure where we would be.

To the hit TV show The Office for the laughter and joy you bring us. (But not to the screen on Netflix that pops up asking us, Are you still watching The Office? Yes, Netflix, we are. And now youve ruined another cuddle sesh because youre making us get up and look for the remote to hit continuing playing.)

To Benjamins 1993 Toyota Camry. We miss you. Rest in peace. In the summer of 2013, you logged over 5,000 miles for Al to speak all over Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Idaho. You sacrificed your engine for our relationship to flourish.

To New York and Arizona for being the greatest states with the greatest food.

To our children, Gracie and Christian. We love and adore you. You are both bright lights to us and those around you. You have made us better people and our lives profoundly sweeter. You have helped us understand God in ways we couldnt have learned without you.

To all our parents, family members, relatives, and friends who have supported us in our lives. You have shaped us into who we are now. Thank you!

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You dont expose it to the elements. You dont make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.